In a first-time collaboration, 34 award-winning artists, painting in one of the top plein air competitions in the country, will capture on canvas the fast-paced action of the 30 best Tie-Down and Steer Ropers in the world, who are competing at arguably the most prestigious invitational roping event in the world.

It all happens in San Angelo, Texas at the 64th Annual San Angelo Roping Fiesta, October 27-29, and the 4th Annual EnPleinAirTEXAS, October 21-29, 2017. “En plein air” is the French term for painting in the open air.

The two groups converge at the San Angelo Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 28th, for the “Rope Yourself a Painting” Day.

First, the public is invited Saturday morning, October 28th to wander and watch during an Open Paint-Out on the fairgrounds. From 9 to 11:30am, the EnPleinAirTEXAS (EPAT) Competition Artists and any area artist wishing to register and participate, will complete a painting in that area during the allotted time. Artists choose from the indoor roping competition at the Spur Arena, the Junior Livestock Show with over 400 youth and their animals, or any of the roping fiesta areas with the cowboys and their horses. Free early admission, $12 entry fee starting at 11 a.m.

At 1:00 p.m., come sun, rain, wind or snow, the top 30 traveling ropers in the world enter the Outdoor Roping Arena to complete three roping runs, vying for the title of San Angelo Roping Fiesta Champion, the top of the list in roping credentials. Tickets for the Invitational Roping are $12 with reserved seating, and go on sale September 5, 2017.

The 34 EPAT Competition Artists, professionals hailing from 19 states and two countries, are intent upon capturing the quick moments in the arena. Their creative interpretations become a part of San Angelo’s long history of roping and rodeo competitions and will be for sale the following morning at Fort Concho, the exhibit site for over 350 paintings painted that week during the EnPleinAirTEXAS Competition. A hearty Chuck Wagon breakfast is available outside the exhibit from 9 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $15.

Steer Roping events continue Sunday afternoon with the Invitational Steer Roping and Double Mugging at the outdoor arena at the San Angelo Fairgrounds. Tickets are $10.

Prior to the Roping weekend, the EPAT competition week includes painting days at the International Waterlily Gardens, downtown San Angelo, and historic Fort Concho. Artists are invited to historic private ranches to paint, including the Head of the River Ranch near Christoval, Texas, which was the home of the 1920’s Texas Artists Camp.